Selection between an in-band and an out-of-band channel for downloading code to a set top box

Abstract

A cable communication system makes use of a download control message to indicate whether a code object should be downloaded to a set top box via an in-band channel or via an out-of-band channel. In one version, the system includes means for adaptively determining whether to use an in-band channel or an out-of-band channel. The related method includes the steps of receiving a message designating whether to tune to an in-band or an out-of-band channel in order to receive the code object, tuning to the designated channel, and receiving the code object from the designated channel.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . In a cable communication system, a method for a set top box to receive a software code object, comprising the steps of 
 receiving a message designating whether to tune to an in-band or an out-of band channel for receiving the code object;    tuning to the designated channel; and    receiving the code object from the designated channel.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the message includes a download control message having a download flag, and further comprising the steps of reading a value of the download flag to determine whether to download the code object using an in-band or an out-of-band channel  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the code object comprises platform code, and wherein the step of receiving the code object includes downloading the platform code from the cable system by using boot code present in the set top box.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , farther comprising the step of designating the in-band or out-of-band channel for receiving the code object by means of instructions to a digital access controller in communication with the set top box.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the step of designating the in-band or out-of-band channel includes adaptively deciding between the in-band or out-of-band channel in response to predetermined parameters related to the cable system.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , farther comprising the steps of monitoring available band widths of the cable system and deciding between the in-band or out-of-band channel in response to said monitoring.  
     
     
         7 . In a cable communication system having at least one digital access controller, and a plurality of set top boxes in communication with the digital access controller, the improvement comprising: 
 a download control message including a download flag and information related to a download channel frequency, the download flag capable of corresponding to one of an out-of-bound channel and an in-band channel; and    boot-code for determining the value of the download-control flag, for tuning to the channel indicated in the download control message, and for causing the download of a code object.    
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7 , further comprising means for adaptively setting the download flag.  
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , further comprising means for determining available channel bandwidth, and means for setting the download flag in response to the determination of available channel bandwidth.  
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 7 , further comprising RAM for storing the code object after downloading and a CRC check to verify proper downloading has occurred.